Epoxy floors have gained great popularity due to their durability, attractive appearance and practicality. The technology for installing such a floor requires certain skills and knowledge, but many people manage to make self-leveling epoxy floors with their own hands. Everyone can choose their own flooring option, which will suit its cost and properties and perform certain tasks.

What are the benefits of epoxy floors?

• Epoxy floors have a smooth and glossy surface thanks to the complete absence of seams. The degree of specular gloss can be influenced using additives. The seamless surface prevents the penetration and accumulation of moisture, dirt and bacteria, and therefore this flooring is often used in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
• They have dirt-repellent properties. The coating is easy to maintain.
• Able to not react to chemical compounds.
• Epoxy resin is non-flammable and can be used to achieve a non-slip surface during the pouring process by adjusting the degree of roughness.
• The material is durable, reliable, almost does not wear out and does not deteriorate under the influence of ultraviolet rays. Epoxy self-leveling flooring can last more than 30 years.
• Almost odorless. You can feel it only when kneading. To get rid of it completely, two airings are enough.
• The optimal combination of price and quality.
• Easy to pour with your own hands.

The coating also has disadvantages, including:

1. Epoxy floor coating is quite brittle due to its hardness. If a heavy object falls on the floor, cracks and chips may appear;
2. Over time, scratches appear that spoil appearance floor. Unfortunately, it cannot be sanded like, for example, and therefore many people prefer a matte surface to a glossy one;
3. Complex dismantling technology.

Installation

Preparing the base

It is important to remember that installing an epoxy self-leveling floor with your own hands is only possible on a clean, prepared base. The surface is thoroughly cleaned of dust, debris and other contaminants. If the surface is uneven, you won’t be able to do it with just a vacuum cleaner and an anti-stain solution; you’ll have to putty it. provides for the point that the smoother the surface, the less. If there are cracks large sizes, then it is better to level the floor with rough filling. At this stage, you need to think everything through carefully, taking into account the nuances of the process technology and the features of the room. The quality and durability of the coating will depend on the preparation of the surface.

Also, a mandatory requirement for the floor is horizontality. If there is a small difference, you can fill the finished floor, it will correct the situation, but it will increased consumption material. If the difference exceeds the norm, then it is better to first make a concrete screed and wait for it to dry completely.

The humidity of the finished dried screed should not exceed 4%. Only a flat and clean surface can be primed.

Before you start installing the floor yourself, you need to choose required material and calculate its quantity, select the appropriate tools. You will definitely need primer, purified quartz sand, a self-leveling two-component floor (for example, Epolast) for the base and main layers, polyurethane transparent varnish, and epoxy putty. Epolast can be laid on concrete, metal or wooden structures. If an epoxy floor is poured indoors under high loads or high humidity, then Epolast will be indispensable.

Also needed for filling:

• Construction mixer,
• Vacuum cleaner,
• Various spatulas,
• Needle roller,
• Synthetic rollers,
• Raklya,
• Plastic and metal containers,
• Facilities personal protection.

A primer is needed for better adhesion of the base to the epoxy resin and uniform absorption. The amount of primer will depend on the porosity of the surface. If the substrate is very porous, a thin layer of primer will not be enough.

Impregnation should be thorough and thorough, and it is better to do several layers.

After applying the first layer, at least a day should pass. At the same time, excess liquid should not be allowed, avoiding the formation of puddles. For this, there are special sprayers that allow you to distribute primers evenly over the entire surface and reduce its consumption.

Pouring technology

The following conditions must be met for pouring epoxy floors:

1. Indoor humidity no more than 80%;
2. The temperature of all materials involved in mixing must be at least 15°C;
3. The room temperature level is from 5°C to 25°C. It is recommended to avoid sudden changes in air temperature and surface temperature;
4. It is better to carry out priming work immediately after cleaning the surface from dust. If more than 2 hours have passed, it is better to clean the surface again;
5. The primer must be absolutely homogeneous. After stirring, four minutes should pass. The prepared mixture must be used within 30-40 minutes.

Poor mixing of the mixture components can result in coating defects

To completely close all the pores and make the coating more even, apply a base (underlying) layer, the thickness of which is about 1.5 mm. Mixing the base composition of the epoxy floor occurs at the stage of sealing the pores. The components are thoroughly mixed, then the container with the composition should stand for about three minutes for the air to escape, and immediately after that you can form the floor, evenly pouring the composition using a rubber spatula.

The composition should not be in the container for more than 10 minutes.

The consumption of the main composition is usually 400 ml per m2. Particular attention should be paid to places where the composition comes into contact with other coatings, in corners and near columns.

The stage of pouring the final layer of epoxy flooring is very important and requires care. The thickness of the coating may vary, but not very thin. The composition is distributed using a squeegee. In order not to disrupt the technology, after 15 minutes, but no later than half an hour, the entire surface is pierced with the needles of a special roller to get rid of air bubbles that can spoil the uniformity of the floor. For this procedure you will need paint shoes; without them it is difficult to imagine moving through the liquid composition.

In a day finishing coat will dry, but only after a week the epoxy self-leveling floors will be ready for use. All this time, the surface must be open, moisture, dirt and dust must be avoided.

For additional protection Epoxy floor coatings can be applied transparent polyurethane varnish using a roller or brush in one or several layers. The varnish dries completely within a day, but the floor can be used after four days.

The technology for pouring an epoxy floor with your own hands is quite complex, and the whole process is very labor-intensive. It takes a lot of time for each layer to dry, to comply with all stages of the technology. You need to constantly ensure that dust does not get in, so it is better not to open the windows until the very end. You need to be attentive to all details, especially at the final pouring stage. Even the floor in a small room will take 10-12 days.

All this effort is worth it in order to end up with a very impressive floor that will bring joy and comfort to any home. Dear reader, leave your opinion about the article in the comments or share your experience in using this coating.

Private construction often includes the manufacture of flooring. There is a wide variety of types flooring. The most common materials that are widely used for making floors are the following: laminate, linoleum, parquet, concrete and others. A special place is occupied by the so-called liquid polymer materials. Nowadays they are used more and more often. Among the polymer materials, it is necessary to highlight epoxy, which are also found when applying the finishing coating for the floor.

The optimal density of the self-leveling floor layer for an apartment is 1.5 mm.

Unlike conventional building materials, epoxy self-leveling floors have excellent performance characteristics. This floor has no seams or joints. When applying such a layer, the surface is absolutely smooth and sealed, which makes it very easy construction works. Epoxy self-leveling floors are successfully used for office and medical premises, restaurants and industrial facilities. Such materials began to be used in apartments relatively recently. Let's take a closer look at the features of epoxy self-leveling floors and the technology of pouring the material.

Advantages and disadvantages

Self-leveling epoxy floors have whole line positive characteristics. Epoxy polymer is a two-component material that contains epoxy resin and a hardener. This coating is uniform, since the process of filling the floor is carried out in one go. The result is a surface without seams. Such self-leveling floors protect the underlying layers from the penetration of moisture, microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi), as well as from corrosion. Self-leveling floors are a hygienically clean material that is safe for humans and animals. They do not emit harmful chemical substances from its surface.

Epoxy floors can be washed due to their smooth surface. The positive aspects of such a coating include chemical resistance. Epoxy floors can withstand exposure to any chemical agents, including alkalis and acids. For safety reasons, you can select certain type coating, resulting in fire safety of the floor. It is important that epoxy floors are not slippery at all, and the risk of injury is minimal.

Thus, the epoxy coating is durable and resistant, including to mechanical stress. It withstands ultraviolet irradiation and high temperatures. The disadvantages include the fact that when dismantling the floor, such a coating is quite difficult to remove. In addition, if used irrationally, the surface of such a floor can become fragile and subject to destruction. It is also possible for plasticizers to escape from the thickness of the material, which will lead to a violation of the integrity of the coating.

Preparatory work

Rules for preparing the base for self-leveling floor installation.

Floor filling technology includes preparatory stage work. It consists of leveling the base and dismantling the old coating. Depending on the type of old floor, the procedure for preparing the base will be different. If there is an old coating, it must be removed. After this, the surface is leveled. You will also need to clean it of dust, dirt and debris. If the base of the floor is made of concrete, then it is necessary to give it an even outline. For this they use grinding machine or a grinder with a diamond attachment. Sanding is needed to eliminate cracks and pores, which can ultimately lead to the destruction of the floor.

The thickness of the layer that is removed is on average 1 mm. Next stage– cleaning the floor and applying disinfectants. Next, the primer is applied. The primer adds roughness to the surface and improves adhesion. polymer material. In some cases, it is necessary to resort to leveling the floor by pouring cement or concrete screed. Alternative option– use of coating materials (mastic). As for preparing a wooden base, this is not the most a good option for the production of liquid floors. The thing is that wood is capable of absorbing moisture, which will affect the quality of the coating.

Preparing the wood base includes removing the paint layer, sanding the surface with sandpaper and applying warp tape. The tape is glued around the perimeter of the room in places where the liquid floor comes into contact with the walls. Great importance has also the fact that immediately before pouring the solution, a reinforcing mesh is laid on the base of the floor. If the floor base is presented ceramic tiles, then the destroyed slabs are removed and laid in their place cement mortar. After this, the surface is cleaned and degreased. Next, a layer of primer is applied.

Surface priming

The technology of self-leveling floors includes such a stage as priming.

The primer is applied only to a dry surface. It is important that after cleaning the surface from dust, you must wait 2 hours. The primer is sold in semi-liquid form, but it must be diluted in water according to the attached instructions. It is better to apply the primer to the entire floor surface at once. This is done using a roller or other device. The type of primer is selected depending on the type of coating. It is recommended to use a primer with antiseptic properties. The number of layers is from 1 to 3.

If shiny spots soon appear, you need to determine the presence or absence of contaminants on them. They will need to be removed and a coat of primer applied again. After the first layer has dried, you can apply the second. The floor plane must be perfect. Small slopes are possible (no more than 2 mm per 2 sq.m. area). It is also of great importance that the building must be waterproofed against ingress of groundwater. This is especially important for rooms located close to the ground.

Requirements for the premises

Epoxy floors cannot always be poured. There are certain restrictions. In order for epoxy floors to be installed without difficulty, the room must maintain a certain temperature and humidity regime. The temperature of the base of the floor and the air should be in the range from +5 to +25 degrees. The polymer-based material itself should have a temperature of 15-25 degrees. Relative humidity during repairs should not exceed 80%. Great importance is attached to the moisture content of the base. Its maximum value is 4 mass fractions of a percent. As for the conditions of transportation, there are also some nuances here. The storage temperature of epoxy polymer is from -30 to +30 degrees.

To check the moisture content of the base, it is advisable to use available means, for example, polyethylene. It is attached tightly to the base of the floor and left in this position for a day. After this, the film is removed. If on inside drops of water have appeared, and the surface has slightly changed color, then such a floor is unsuitable for pouring a polymer mixture.

Applying the base layer

The flooring technology involves applying the very first, base layer. It uses epoxy primer. It is very easy to prepare. To do this, you need to mix both components present in the package and let them sit for 3 minutes. After this, you can apply the mixture to the subfloor. The finished epoxy primer is poured onto the floor in a snake or strips. After this, it is distributed over the surface using flat metal spatulas or rollers. It must be remembered that the layer dries on average in 18-24 hours. Epoxy primer is applied in a layer of 1.5 mm. It is necessary to eliminate small defects and close pores. The mixture consumption is approximately 400 g per 1 sq.m. When distributing the solution, the formation of thick areas and puddles is not allowed.

After about 20 minutes, sand is poured onto the surface of the epoxy primer at a rate of 1.5 kg/m. The pouring process is carried out in special flatbeds. After applying the base layer, you should not walk on it for 12-24 hours. After the layer has hardened, you will need to remove excess sand. To do this, you need to have a brush on hand. After all this, the surface is cleaned of dust and sealed. To do this, the pre-prepared self-leveling floor is applied to the base floor using spatulas using a stripping method. After the base layer, you can apply a decorative layer, but this is not necessary. You can use films with decorative patterns or other materials.

Applying the finishing coat

Self-leveling floor device with 3D effect.

Self-leveling floors require the application of a top layer. The mixture is prepared in the same way as when using epoxy primer, only it includes preliminary mixing of the first component of the mixture. You will need a mixer or mixer. The mixer must have a power of at least 1.5 kW. Do not use needle mixers. It is recommended to immerse the mixer completely in the container so that the components mix better. It is important that the epoxy mortar is poured in such a way that each subsequent batch should be poured no later than 40 minutes from the start of the previous one. This affects the quality of the connection.

It is recommended to make expansion joints before pouring the base layer. A squeegee is used to adjust the layer thickness. The procedure for removing air from the material is of particular importance. A needle roller is best suited for this purpose. It shouldn't be dirty. The front layer is poured in the same way as the base layer. Its thickness is 1-2 mm. You need to make sure that the solution does not get on the walls when pouring, otherwise it will be very difficult to remove. The hardening time depends on its temperature. On average it is 12-24 hours. The floor is left open; it is not recommended to spill liquids on it. At the end of the work, remove the insulating tape. Possible gaps are filled with sealant. Self-leveling floors are ready. It is recommended to walk on the floor only after three days.

List of tools and materials

In order to make self-leveling floors, you must have available a whole list tools and materials. It includes:

Special shoes for aeration work.

• brush;
• hammer;
• nail puller;
• spatulas;
• raclette;
• needle roller;
• building or water level;
• roulette;
• mixer;
• containers for solution;
• sandpaper.

In addition, you will need:

• polyethylene film;
• sealant;
• insulating tape;
• primer, plaster;
• cement mortar;
• water, gloves;
• special shoes for workers;
• mask or respirator.

Thus, if you follow all the technology for pouring and preparing the surface, the self-leveling floors will turn out smooth, beautiful and will serve their owner for many years.

It would seem that, modern parquet or laminate has all the necessary qualities and is able to satisfy the most demanding owner of an apartment or house. But progress does not stand still, and with the advent and widespread dissemination of technology heated floors instead of traditional wooden ones parquet boards and slabs, self-leveling self-leveling floors began to be used everywhere. The use of polymers instead of capricious and expensive wood made it possible to design a polyurethane or epoxy self-leveling floor in a completely new, stunning form using graphics and 3D images.

What is epoxy self-leveling floor

In essence, this is a self-leveling self-leveling floor, which is based instead of traditional acrylic or cement materials Modified epoxy resins are used. But in this case, the epoxy coating acts as a finishing self-leveling floor, and in no case is it intended to replace the self-leveling floor with cement based, but rather serves as a complement to the polymer concrete base.

The optimal service life of a modern floor is usually limited to ten, maximum fifteen years, after which the outer layer must be overhauled and replaced with a new one. At the same time, the degree of wear of the top layer of the floor covering rarely exceeds 1%, so it is easier and cheaper to make the floor in the form of a monolithic epoxy, polyurethane or methyl mass several millimeters thick.

The use of epoxy polymers to form the final floor covering allows you to obtain new qualities that are practically unattainable using other methods and materials:

• An absolutely dense glassy coating has virtually zero water absorption and a very high dielectric constant. Even if water stands on the surface of an epoxy heated self-leveling floor for a week, this will not lead to leaks or short circuit in the electrical wiring system;
• The wear resistance of self-leveling epoxy coating can only be rivaled by self-leveling polyurethane flooring, concrete or ceramics. At the same time, unlike the latter, epoxy flooring does not emit dust, is not afraid of temperature changes and exposure to oil, alkalis, acids, or any detergents and aggressive substances;
• Self-leveling heated floors based on epoxy polymers are much thinner, stronger and more durable than any other modern coatings.

For your information! The small thickness of the self-leveling epoxy layer, only 2-3 mm, allows you to reduce losses during the operation of a heated floor by 20-25% compared to polymer cement screed and even laminate flooring.

Epoxy polymers in a cured state initially appeared in the workshops and laboratories of enterprises involved in the production of chips and components for microelectronics and precision optics. Today, industrial self-leveling flooring has become an invariable attribute of most high-tech industries, wherever a chemically inert, hard coating is required that does not collect dust and vapors of substances in the air. Epoxy self-leveling floors have come to the “taste” of operating rooms and infectious diseases departments of hospitals, commercial offices of companies seeking to give the design of premises an exceptionally expressive look.

But truly self-leveling flooring became popular after the emergence and spread of fashion for the use of 3D decor, photo wallpaper and designer graphics in the interior of apartments and offices.

Important! Using transparent, almost colorless epoxy resin allows you to apply the most complex three-dimensional designs to the floor, creating the illusion of a three-dimensional image and completely changing the perception of your living space.

A glossy self-leveling floor makes it possible to hide and disguise defects in the geometry of individual parts of the room, without resorting to traditional finishing and leveling the walls with plasterboard.

In order to reliably protect a warm floor, a coating with a thickness of 1.5-3 mm is sufficient. In practice, self-leveling floors are often made thicker and in several layers for several reasons:

1. Firstly, the finishing self-leveling floor with a glossy surface shows the imperfections and unevenness of the base very well, so the quality of preparation for epoxy coatings must be very high. Using two or three layers allows you to make it as flat and durable as possible;
2. Secondly, unlike polymer cement, polyurethane flooring and methacrylate, the “life” ready mixture estimated at 20-25 minutes. at room temperature. The higher the temperature, the faster the viscosity of the composition increases, therefore, in order to obtain an ideal mirror of a self-leveling floor, pouring and leveling the mixture must be done as quickly and efficiently as possible.

High quality is achieved thanks to the chemical principle of curing through the use of a hardener. If you cook bulk mixture exactly in accordance with the requirements of the technology, the poured epoxy mass will simply harden without shrinkage, sweating and the release of solvent vapors and volatile substances.

Toxicity of epoxy self-leveling floor

Often, builders and craftsmen involved in laying self-leveling floors voice information about the dangers of epoxy compositions for human health. There is a certain amount of truth in such statements, but with one caveat. The toxicity or harmfulness of an epoxy composition depends on several factors:

• Epoxy polymer grades. Today, there are several dozen brands of epoxy resins and hardener options, some of them are used only for industrial purposes. If you try to use such a mixture for home use, you can get seriously poisoned;
• Qualities of epoxy resin and hardener, the degree of their purification during synthesis. All branded materials for arranging self-leveling floors are maximally purified from epichlorohydrin, maleic and phthalic anhydride;
• Compliance with the technology for preparing the mixture. To achieve maximum strength and quality of the polymer, it is necessary to very accurately maintain the recommended proportions and thoroughly mix the components with a hand or electric mixer.

After the polymer has cured, all dissolved components are sealed in a glassy mass. Microdoses of unreacted substances, even when the floor is heated, cannot evaporate and be released on the floor surface.

The only condition that must be observed when working with epoxy self-leveling floors, is the non-use of water or polar alcohol-containing solvents. Even a small amount of these substances found on the base or added to the polymer composition can render the expensive adhesive mass unusable.

Technology for working with self-leveling epoxy flooring

Experts recommend pouring the floor polymer based in three stages. At the first stage, the concrete or wooden base is prepared for pouring the adhesive mass. Next, an intermediate epoxy layer is made, which is leveled and cleaned with the highest possible precision, after which a decorative layer of epoxy material with filler and coloring toner is applied.

Foundation preparation procedure

The first stage of preparing a concrete pad for a self-leveling floor is practically no different from similar operations for other types of self-leveling self-leveling coatings. Initially, the concrete is cleaned of layers and bumps using regular grinder. Cavities and potholes are filled with polymer concrete mass. To reduce the consumption of expensive epoxy resin, most of the screeding and leveling work is performed with concrete or acrylic compounds, planning a total layer of 10-15 mm thick for the self-leveling epoxy floor.

If the self-leveling floor is to be laid on wooden base, the boards will need to be sewn together, freed from paint and strengthened so that under the weight of a person the deflection characteristic of plank floor. The cracks are sealed with tape, after which the floor surface is covered with one layer of epoxy varnish.

After the concrete has set and shrinked, the procedure for leveling the plane of the future floor is repeated, but using screw supports - beacons, a construction level, preferably a three-beam laser level. If it is planned to lay a film heating system, then final leveling for finishing pouring is performed after laying the intermediate epoxy layer.

How to pour a self-leveling epoxy floor

To ensure normal adhesion of the self-leveling floor to concrete, you will need to prime the surface with a special compound supplied with the epoxy compound. After the primer has set, a damper tape is laid along the walls, providing a gap between the floor and vertical surface. To control the level of the future floor, it is best to install a laser level horizontal plane or a regular bubble tool.

After preparing the mixture, the container is poured with a tape onto the base, then the mixture is leveled using the screw beacons or laser beam. To remove air from the filling composition, the poured mixture is intensively rolled with a needle roller. After a couple of hours, the mixture sets before low tide, but the floor gains its final strength after 4-5 days.

Conclusion

To form complex three-dimensional images, up to 5 layers of epoxy mixture can be used, therefore, when calculating the required amount of bulk material, it is necessary to take into account an overconsumption of 10%, which inevitably arises due to the sticking of the mass on containers and working tools. The multi-layer method is often used for bathrooms and kitchen premises, wherever there is a risk of damage to the floor surface from falling objects. In other rooms - bedrooms, living rooms, hallways or corridors, the floor can be poured in one or two steps.

Modern construction technologies allow you to significantly diversify the methods of arranging floors. For this purpose, the most unusual flooring materials, including liquid ones. Thus, epoxy flooring is a unique coating that can be used in residential and production premises, in workshops, houses and apartments, in garages and catering establishments.

Types, advantages and disadvantages of epoxy floors

Epoxy resin for pouring, or compound, is a liquid polymer containing epoxy groups and capable of hardening under the influence of hardeners. Epoxy is used to make varnishes and paints, adhesives, and other paint and varnish materials. Self-leveling floor - another one possible scope resin application. It combines well with various additives, can be painted in many colors, and has crystal transparency. This allows you to create original floor coverings, including in 3D technology. To install floors, fillers must be added to the epoxy composition to impart strength, wear resistance, and antistatic properties.

Production of self-leveling floors in last years has developed seriously, so now companies offer many types of polymer epoxy coatings. They are made for specific operating conditions, which must be taken into account during installation. What types of epoxy resin floors are there? Here are the main ones:

• thin-layer – form a layer no more than 1 mm thick, have high resistance to chemicals and mechanical stress;
• thick-layer - each layer is no more than 1 mm, but their number is much larger, so the final coating is thick;
• quartz - quartz sand is added to the bottom layer of the epoxy resin coating, which increases strength;
• industrial - such poured floors can withstand enormous loads of any nature.

Epoxy coating can be colored, transparent or white, glossy or matte, perfectly smooth or rough. Some floors serve only the main purpose (providing a solid foundation), while others additionally have decorative functions. Most epoxy mixtures are two-component, but there are also one-component compositions.

The advantages of epoxy flooring are undeniable:

• high adhesion to any substrate - concrete, wood or stone;
• excellent waterproofing of the floor surface;
• repels dust and dirt due to antistatic properties;
• resistance to impact, UV radiation, abrasion, cracking;
• service life - up to 30-40 years;
• possibility of cleansing chemicals, lack of reaction to the ingress of solvents and technical liquids;
• immunity to temperature changes, the ability to endure a whole winter in an unheated room;
• environmentally friendly, harmless to humans after complete curing;
• absence fire danger, non-flammability;
• perfect smoothness;
• aesthetic appearance, the ability to use colors in any color spectrum.

Unlike polyurethane flooring, epoxy has no harsh unpleasant odor during installation. Such coatings create a lot of scope for the designer’s imagination, almost limitless. But resin-filled floors also have disadvantages. In terms of price, they are far from cheap - you will have to buy the epoxy resin itself, a hardener, a number of tools and additional materials.

The complexity of the preparatory and main work is also much higher than when laying linoleum or laminate. Repairing the surface will not be easy - choosing the color of the composition is unrealistic. Removing the coating is no less difficult a process than applying it; it takes a lot of time.

The relevance of installing self-leveling epoxy floors

Depending on the type of room, you should select a self-leveling floor with suitable properties and characteristics. So, in offices, garages and industrial premises install the thickest and most impact-resistant epoxy fillers. Thick-layer compounds will also be required where there are significant differences in height; they can be applied to the tiles. Thin-layer compounds are used to pour the finishing layer on the floor, and their consumption is minimal.

In the apartment

Craftsmen often fill the floors of their homes with their own hands. The advantages have already been clarified - strength, durability and reliability, as well as easy wash, beauty. But we must immediately take into account some of the disadvantages of self-leveling floors for apartments and residential premises. The potting compound is not very warm and it is unpleasant to walk on barefoot. If you combine the pouring with the installation of a heated floor, this drawback is leveled out.

Another disadvantage is that changing a boring pattern will be problematic. This especially applies to bright photographs, collages, 3D coatings, and phosphors glowing in the dark at night. According to reviews, residents quickly become bored with this decor. It is better to mount unobtrusive drawings, graphic images and other moderately bright options.

When installing an epoxy floor in an apartment, you need to be prepared for high expenses. If the floor is curved, with differences in heights and slopes, epoxy resin will be consumed in large quantities. For a beginner in working with epoxy, pouring the compound is almost impossible; you will have to practice on less complex objects.

In the bathroom

Usually the bathroom is covered with ceramic tiles; this solution is traditional. But some people prefer to fill the floor with epoxy resin, which is exceptionally waterproof. Washing such a floor is a pleasure, because it is slightly dirty and dusty. The absence of seams for the bathroom is another significant plus, since dirt will not get stuck in them. Even hot water and falling objects will not disturb the aesthetics of the epoxy coating, although it appears fragile. Since the bathroom usually has a small area, the cost of renovation will be quite affordable.

In the garage

Fill the garage floor with epoxy - great idea. The flooring in the garage is subjected to harsh use every day; it has to withstand the weight of the car, temperature fluctuations, and contact with chemicals. That's why " liquid linoleum", as an epoxy floor is also called, must meet high requirements. It is necessary to select special brands of mixtures for pouring - especially durable, smooth to the touch, but not slippery. The service life of the floor is enormous, it is easy to clean and has good adhesion. Epoxy coating can be poured over a concrete floor, and the small area allows for DIY installation.

In nightclubs and restaurants

In such premises there are always a large number of people present, and the coating is subject to high loads. Food is prepared in catering kitchens here high humidity and frequent temperature changes. In a nightclub, the list of additional requirements includes the aesthetics of the premises and original design.

Decorative self-leveling flooring made of epoxy resin is very popular in organizations of this type. The advantages are easy cleaning and fire-fighting properties of the coating; it does not burn and does not allow fire to spread. It is especially recommended to fill with epoxy compounds in technological areas such as kitchens, entrances, exits, and unloading areas.

At industrial facilities

Floors in production workshops and other industrial premises are the most worn part. The loads on them are very high and constant. These include people walking, equipment vibration, and exposure to low or high temperatures. In some places there is high humidity, the influence of chemicals.

At industrial facilities, only special industrial epoxy floors are used. Their technical indicators are higher than those of conventional compounds for houses and apartments. Some polymer coatings can easily withstand dropping a load weighing several kilograms from high altitude. Typically, such floors last up to 20 years.

Epoxy resin for flooring - manufacturers and consumption

There are a number of products available for grouting epoxy floors. various rooms. Prices for them are not the same, imported mixtures are much more expensive. The price range is 230-650 rubles per kilogram. The most famous brands– “Elakor ED”, “Betolast” and others.

"Rizopox"

"Rizopox 4101" is a self-leveling epoxy floor covering. This two-component, solvent-free, low-color material features a modified amine hardener. The product allows you to get a floor with a smooth surface, perfectly level. This epoxy is widely used in industry, agriculture, sports institutions, housing and communal services facilities, parking lots. The epoxy compound is especially popular for filling warehouses and garages.

"Rizopox" can be used on a stone base, poured onto concrete, cement-sand screed. The mass is resistant to damage, scratching, and impact. Consumption as an epoxy primer is about 300-400 g/sq.m. m, to create the front layer of the floor covering - from 400-500 g and above.

"Betolast"

The Betolast water-epoxy self-leveling floor is odorless and includes special components and fillers to give a semi-matte finish. The product is wear-resistant, weather-resistant, does not react to chemicals, environmentally friendly, vapor permeable. Epoxy material can be applied as a primer, including on fresh and wet concrete, on old concrete base. The compound is suitable for garages and hangars, repair shops, basements, medical and child care facilities, apartments and houses. It is “breathable”, does not disturb the environment of the room and environment. When applying to wet concrete, preliminary priming with Epoxol must be used. When pouring low-quality concrete, first impregnate with soil deep penetration"Aquastone". Consumption with a layer thickness of 2 mm – up to 1 kg/sq.m. m.

"Epolast"

"Epolast" is an epoxy flooring compound with excellent decorative properties. The product is two-component and does not contain solvents. It is suitable for pouring concrete, natural stone, metal and wooden structures. “Epolast” is intended for rooms with high loads and can be subject to constant exposure to moisture and abrasive cleaning. It creates chemical-resistant epoxy floors, which is why it is widely used in workshops, garages, and parking lots. Consumption – up to 600 g/sq.m. m.

"Elakor ED"

This color composition is highly durable and can be applied to subfloors and as a topcoat. It has no unpleasant odor and is easy to use. The product is not afraid of UV radiation. With a thickness of 1 mm, the consumption for litter is 300 g/sq.m. m, for front covering – up to 1.5 kg.

Tools for work

Before installing the floor, it is advisable to watch a video on pouring compounds or read information in magazines for construction and repair (“Do it yourself” and others). Next, it is important to prepare following materials and tools:

• padding polyester roller for priming, needle roller for removing air bubbles;
• a squeegee for applying epoxy, a spatula for leveling and rubbing in hard-to-reach places;
• a drill with a paddle attachment - will help in mixing the resin and hardener;
• paint shoes - you can walk on the floor in them, they will not damage the coating.

Also, for cleaning instruments, a solvent is purchased, for personal protection - gloves, a respirator, and goggles. You also need to have a vacuum cleaner in order to promptly remove the remaining quartz sand if it is used at work.

Filling the floor with your own hands

Floor decoration can be done different ways. The easiest way is to pour it on base layer before it completely hardens, special “chips”. The base is also painted after curing. acrylic paints. It is hand painting that will become the most original and an unusual option fill decoration. Another way to give the floor decorative properties– order a banner or sticker from a printing house on which any images can be applied. Typically stickers are made from vinyl. Modern 3D printing looks especially beautiful.

There are certain requirements that the premises must meet:

• temperature +5...+25 degrees (the same indicator should be at the base on which the compound will be poured);
• composition temperature +15…+25 degrees;
• air humidity no more than 80%;
• base moisture is less than 4% (for the Betolast mixture - up to 12%).

Surface preparation

The most reliable base for epoxy is a concrete floor. But, if necessary, you can pour the mixture onto other substrates, even onto tiles. Problems can arise only with wooden bases, because over time they become deformed.

It is important that the floor covering is dry and fairly level. The permissible deviation from the horizontal is no more than 2 mm for every 2 meters. Self-leveling mixtures can cover the floor with serious deviations from this norm. The humidity of the floor is determined as follows: a polyethylene film measuring 1*1 m is glued to the floor with tape and left for 48 hours. If there is no film under large quantity moisture, the floor can be considered dry and ready for pouring. It is better to leave a fresh concrete screed for 4 weeks, during which time its humidity will return to normal.

All dirt, dust, grease, and paint must be completely removed from any coating. Cracks should be repaired, as should chips and other defects. You can also strengthen the base with a layer of epoxy paint. It is recommended to stick waterproofing along the walls. The floor is vacuumed 2 hours before work begins.

Priming and puttying

The primer is mixed in a separate container. Its components are connected to each other and mixed at a speed of 500 rpm, first in the forward direction, then in the reverse direction. The result should be homogeneous mixture. Next, let the primer sit for 3 minutes to release air bubbles. The soil must be completely worked out within 40 minutes, after which its properties are lost.

The primer is poured onto the floor like a snake and spread with a synthetic padding roller. Additional portions of the product are poured onto areas that strongly absorb liquid. Polymerization lasts a day. Then you can start puttingtying chips, cracks, and all recesses. This is done with special putties mixed with quartz sand (1:3). After the putty has hardened, another layer of primer is applied. All subsequent stages begin within a day.

Filling the Base Layer

This layer is intended to completely smooth out all irregularities and rub out pores. Layer thickness is about 1.5 mm. Paint shoes are put on your feet in advance and you walk in them very carefully. The composition is prepared as indicated in the instructions. It is poured onto the floor at the rate of 300-400 g/sq.m. m. Distribute the composition on the base, and after 20 minutes, scatter fine quartz sand (about 1.5 kg per 1 sq. m).

20 hours after the final polymerization of the mass, remove the remaining sand with a hard plastic brush, and apply another layer with approximately the same amount of epoxy. Spread it with a rubber spatula or squeegee. Particular attention is paid to corners and areas near walls. After 15 hours you can apply decor.

Filling the finishing layer

The final stage requires special care in the work. Epoxy is prepared in a similar way; it is poured onto the floor in wide strips. Consumption – from 1 kg/sq. m. Distribute the composition with a squeegee, and after 15 minutes roll it with a needle roller. The self-leveling floor is left to harden for 24 hours, but loads on it are allowed only after 6 days. After this period, you can apply a layer of epoxy varnish, but this is an optional step.

Self-leveling epoxy floors can be found in medical institutions, laboratories, sports complexes, in industrial and warehouse areas, in cafes, restaurants, trading floors and in many other rooms. Today, thanks to the unique properties of this flooring, consumers are increasingly choosing epoxy floors to decorate their homes and apartments.

Advantages of self-leveling epoxy flooring

1. No joints or seams. Moisture and dirt do not accumulate in the seams and do not penetrate into the coating. The base is not subject to destruction or deformation.
2. Easy to use. Epoxy flooring is easy to clean and is resistant to moisture, aggressive household chemicals and abrasives.
3. Safety. The coating is fireproof and completely non-slip, it is absolutely harmless to health.
4. Resistant to temperature changes. Epoxy coating can withstand both low and extremely high temperatures with ease.
5. Strength and wear resistance. The self-leveling epoxy floor is not afraid of mechanical loads, it is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation.
6. Design options. Thanks to the variety of design options for the decorative layer, epoxy flooring can fit seamlessly into any interior.

Strength and wear resistance are the main advantages of epoxy flooring

Preparatory stage

Before starting work, you need to prepare (purchase or borrow) everything necessary tools:

Epoxy self-leveling floor - coating structure

• squeegee(with this tool the epoxy composition is directly applied to the surface of the base);
• padding polyester rollers(useful for priming the surface before applying epoxy coating);
• needle aeration roller(used to remove air bubbles from under the base layer);
• spatulas(for applying and leveling the composition in hard-to-reach places);
• low-speed drill with a special blade attachment(for mixing the components of the self-leveling coating);
• solvent(for cleaning metal tools before and after work);
• paint shoes(special needle soles worn over shoes to avoid damaging the surface when working with an aeration roller);
• personal protective equipment(the epoxy composition should not come into contact with the skin or eyes);
• vacuum cleaner(to clean the surface at the initial stage and remove excess quartz sand when applying the primer layer).

Base requirements

An epoxy floor can be poured onto almost any base, but to achieve the most reliable and high-quality result, it is desirable to have a concrete screed. If the screed is done anew, you can start pouring the epoxy floor in about a month. During this time, the concrete will acquire the necessary characteristics - humidity no more than 4% and strength no less than M200.

If you have to work with an old screed, first of all you need to remove the previous coating, clean the surface of all contaminants, and eliminate cracks and other defects. The base is carefully leveled; for this you can use self-leveling mixtures.

Surface priming

A primer is necessary to increase the adhesion of materials; at this stage, padding polyester rollers are used. 1-2 hours before applying the primer solution, the surface should be cleaned of dust. After the first layer has completely dried, apply a second layer of primer and sprinkle the floor with calcined quartz sand. When the second layer has hardened, the remaining sand is removed with a vacuum cleaner. The use of sand replaces the surface grinding process.

Base layer

We proceed directly to pouring the epoxy floor.

The air temperature in the room should be within +5-25 degrees, humidity - no more than 80%.

Applying a base coat of epoxy flooring

Decorative layer

Self-leveling epoxy floor can be designed different ways. The simplest involves the use of decorative paint particles - flocks (chips for a matte finish and glitter for a glossy finish). The flocks are scattered over the surface of the not yet dried base layer in the desired combination.

Floor painting with acrylic paints

The dried epoxy coating can be painted on. This great way create unique interior. Almost any design can be transferred using stencils. The latest fashion trend is . A volumetric effect can be achieved from an image using special microlenses by ordering them from an advertising agency or printing company. Some do, but it is important to follow the technology.